News

Police the smokers

MICHEAL MARTIN’s forthcoming smoking ban in pubs and in the workplace (News, last week) is the right move.

As a non-smoker myself I think it is just that non-smokers can enjoy public places without inhaling smoke. People who have to inhale smoke every day where they work could easily get lung cancer.

I think the law needs to be enforced early on. There could be a special police force to make sure the ban is observed.

After all, I thought pubs were meant to be enjoyed by everybody.

Stephen McCarthy (aged 15)Schull, Co Cork

REGULATED: I should like to clarify the position of the Irish Psychiatric Association on the ban on smoking in the workplace. We are of the view that the ban should apply to all acute hospitals, and that those with mental health difficulties and staff who look after them should have the same rights as others.